Optometrist News for December: What’s Up Doc?

Optometrist news for December is centered on National Diabetes Month. Those with diabetes are more likely to develop eye diseases, such as retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma that can result in blindness. National Diabetes Month is observed every November and also December so health care professionals, organizations and individuals can raise awareness of diabetes and its impact on those who have diabetes. The American Academy of Ophthalmology is concerned that some of those with diabetes may not be protecting themselves against diabetes-related vision loss.

One out of every 11 Americans has some type of diabetes, and more than 80 million are at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The month of November & December is all about raising awareness about diabetes risk factors and encouraging folks to make healthy changes. Get involved and let your voice be heard. Talk to people in your community about getting regular checkups, including vision tests. Tweet about it or sponsor a community event where families can be active while learning about local health resources. Step up and organize a community walk for National Diabetes Month. You can even donate for a cure or become an advocate for the American Diabetes Association.

Total Eyecare: Your Optometrist in Elko, NV

People with diabetes need to pay careful attention to their eye care. The optometrists at Total Eyecare in Elko help diabetic patients do just that. Total Eyecare provides eye exams to identify and treat diabetic eye conditions, such as cataracts, retinopathy and glaucoma. If you’re a diabetic, you should have an eye exam at least once a year. Diabetic retinopathy is a progressive eye condition that can affect both eyes and there are rarely any symptoms in its early phase. It’s a condition in which blood vessels leak blood and causes swelling of the retinal tissues. Common symptoms include having a dark spot in center vision and floating spots. If it’s not treated properly, the end result can be total blindness. Early detection and proper treatment are key to success. Laser surgery and other surgical procedures may be needed. Glaucoma is caused from too much intraocular pressure in the eye. Treatment may include medications, laser surgery or eye surgery. The optometrist at Total Eyecare will determine the best course of action to take if you're a diabetic with retinopathy, glaucoma or cataracts.

When you visit an optometrist at Total Eyecare, the latest in advanced ocular technology is used for a comprehensive eye exam, including OCT and Optomap machines. A full patient medical history is taken, and advanced diagnostic tests are run for an accurate diagnosis. Treatment is personalized depending on the results of the eye exam.  If you’re a diabetic, call Total Eyecare at 775-475-4822 to schedule an eye exam today. Your eye health is top priority for the optometrists at Total Eyecare. Your eyes are what allow you to see the world. Keep them healthy at Total Eyecare.